As a seasoned entertainment industry insider with over two decades of experience under my belt, I have witnessed many a partnership between creative powerhouses come and go. However, none have left me as bewildered and saddened as the tale of Sam Levinson and Kevin Turen.
Last November on a sunny day, the mourning loved ones of producer Kevin Turen convened at Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale. Following the burial service, they proceeded to a reception located on the Warner Bros. studio lot. Tragically, at only 44 years old, Turen was behind the wheel with his 10-year-old son as he experienced a heart attack. The boy was able to bring the car to a halt and dial for emergency assistance.
Passionate about cinema and living life to the fullest, Turen was an avid film enthusiast with an impressive resume of independent films under his belt (including “Arbitrage,” “The Birth of a Nation,” and “Pieces of a Woman”). Adored by countless people, he left behind a legacy that drew many mourners to his funeral. Among them were Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield, and Zac Efron. Unfortunately, Zendaya, the leading actress in Turen’s most successful venture – the groundbreaking HBO series “Euphoria” – was unable to attend the funeral but graced the reception instead.
Sam Levinson, the contentious writer-director known for “Euphoria” and the aborted project “The Idol,” featuring The Weeknd’s acting debut, was conspicuously missing from the event. Levinson and Turen had been inseparable friends and business partners at Little Lamb Production until their unexpected falling out earlier in the year. While specifics regarding their rift remained a secret to most, only a select few were privy to the details.
The Turen family made it known that Sam and his wife Ashley were not invited to Kevin’s funeral. In the time leading up to his passing, Kevin experienced a falling out with his business partner and lost a profitable deal at HBO. According to reports, Levinson assisted him in obtaining a generous settlement. Friends claim that Turen was under immense financial strain and worked relentlessly while neglecting his health. Some believed that the breakup significantly increased his stress levels for several months, ultimately leading to his decline. A24, Levinson’s agent, and Turen’s close friend, WME agent Andrew Finkelstein, covered the burial expenses, and HBO paid for the reception. In keeping with Kevin’s fondness for sushi, the event featured catering by Katsuya and attracted several hundred guests.
The partners, Turen and Levinson, presented quite a varied picture. A friend of theirs describes Turen as a sociable and joyful individual who relished food and good times, without being violent or shouting. On the other hand, Levinson is remembered as a tall, accomplished, detached, and somewhat self-centered artist. The friend shares that many disliked Sam for various reasons, whereas no one held a grudge against Kevin.
Turen enjoyed greater popularity than his colleague Levinson, an assessment that might be slightly exaggerated. Levinson was known for his generosity and kindness, yet he had a propensity for becoming overwhelmed and enraged. According to a production insider, “Sam was a source of stress for those around him. He’s the kind of person who requires careful management.” His single-minded focus meant he couldn’t turn off, working late into the night and constantly pushing boundaries. He sought a collaborator to help shape his thoughts and ideas.
Levinson’s friendship with Turen wasn’t the only one that had grown strained. Zendaya, who used to be very close to Levinson and often spent time at his home, had distanced herself from him. A source revealed that as she moved away, Levinson grew to dislike her. Furthermore, there were reports of tension between Levinson and his wife Ashley, who had taken over Turen’s responsibilities. However, none of them were willing to comment on the situation for this article.
In the meantime, fervent followers of “Euphoria” were anticipating the arrival of a third installment or at least a promising hint of its existence. The latest episode had been released in February 2022, leaving the supposed high school students noticeably older and thriving in their film careers. The prolonged wait had given HBO’s leading actors the green light to secure other engagements until an enticing concept for another season materialized. After much debate about whether a third season would ever see the light of day, HBO officially confirmed on July 12 that principal cast members had agreed to come back, aiming for a January production start.
With the larger-than-life figures involved and the turmoil surrounding Levinson, merely securing the talent for “Euphoria,” who had existing contracts requiring adjustments due to their achievements, does not ease the pressure on HBO executives. The responsibility of orchestrating this complex third season now lies with chief Casey Bloys and head of drama Francesca Orsi. This could be the most formidable executive test: coaxing diverse talents to align their efforts despite past breaches of trust. The task is further complicated by actual losses – not just metaphorical ones, but two unfortunate deaths as well.
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As a devoted gamer following the captivating drama of “Euphoria,” I’ve been in awe of Zendaya’s exceptional portrayal of Rue for the past two seasons. Working alongside Sam Levinson, our brilliant director, felt like an unstoppable team. His inspiring direction and my immersion into Rue made us an unbeatable duo. With his own background as a recovering addict, he understood the depth of my character in a way that resonated deeply with me.
Meet Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. I first crossed paths with him through producer Aaron Gilbert, back when he was working at Bron, where I had a film deal. It’s reported that both Turen and Levinson developed a strong interest in the multiple platinum pop sensation, who harbored significant acting aspirations. With this newfound collaboration, Turen and Levinson took on producing The Weeknd’s high-profile acting debut, “The Idol,” for HBO. Initially, Levinson wrote the script for the pilot, but due to his ongoing commitment to “Euphoria” season two, he wasn’t meant to invest much time in the project. However, as often happens with Levinson, plans don’t always run smoothly.
Over time, Levinson found himself investing significantly more effort into “The Idol” than initially planned, which led to Zendaya’s mounting irritation. Despite this, Levinson hadn’t provided scripts for “Euphoria”‘s third season – scripts that have yet to be completed over two years after the broadcast of the show’s second season finale. Frustrated to the point of seeking answers, Zendaya requested a meeting with HBO executives Bloys and Orsi, inquiring as to why they permitted Levinson to divert his focus to another project when “Euphoria” remained unfinished.
Reports indicate that her misery worsened in March 2023 following the release of a scathing article by Rolling Stone. The piece claimed that under Levinson’s leadership, filming for The Idol had spiraled out of control – it was chaotic and over budget, with a poisonous work atmosphere. In this drama, Lily-Rose Depp portrays a declining pop star, who falls into the clutches of Tedros, played by The Weeknd. As per Rolling Stone’s report, crew members described the production as “sexually explicit torture porn” and a “toxic man’s rape fantasy.”
Zendaya wasn’t involved in “The Idol,” but faced criticism from fans due to a project she hadn’t initially wanted to be part of, according to sources. When she starred in “Euphoria” at the age of 22, she was already an experienced actress, and she keeps up with online sentiment. An industry executive remarked, “Her reputation is spotless.” Fans, however, were turning against Sam, leading them to pressure Zendaya to disassociate herself.
Some time had passed since the relationship between Zendaya and Levinson became strained. A follow-up conversation took place at HBO among Zendaya, Levinson, Bloys, and Orsi, supposedly to address creative concerns. However, those at HBO who anticipated that this encounter might lead to reconciliation were left disillusioned. According to a reliable source connected to the production, “They used to be very tight-knit, but they couldn’t repair their relationship.”
An alternate concern emerged: Zendaya expressed her preference to HBO bosses that Ashley Levinson wouldn’t be the sole executive producer for season three. With Turen out of the picture, it appears that Zendaya isn’t the only one with this sentiment. Insiders describe Ashley as more cutthroat than accommodating and, most notably, fiercely defensive of her spouse.
In the show, a talent representative shares that Sam requires more than just Ashley’s presence. He needs a rational influence, and Kevin was exceptional at providing that. A source reveals, “Sam is indeed gifted, but managing him is quite a challenge. For a spouse, it can be particularly difficult. He necessitates guidelines and deadlines. It’s an arduous task for a partner to establish restrictions. You risk setting yourself up for disappointment.”
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but acknowledge the various perspectives surrounding the recent issues with “Euphoria.” According to someone in the know close to Levinson, Zendaya’s hesitance was a major contributing factor. With her blossoming film career on the horizon, featuring roles in “Spider-Man,” “Dune,” and Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” at Cannes, it seems she was the one causing delays, as one source puts it, “It was all about her. Everyone wanted to focus on Sam, but it was actually her.”
According to reports, Sydney Sweeney amongst Zendaya’s co-stars was keen on coming back for more filming, especially with Sam Levinson directing once again. Despite missing out on lucrative opportunities due to the production delays, a source close to Sydney expressed, “She’s excited to be part of Sam Levinson’s Euphoria once again. She holds him in high regard.” Contrary to this, Jacob Elordi, another notable co-star, was initially uncertain about returning, but he has since signed up. Elordi’s representatives declined to comment on the matter.
HBO and Zendaya passed on Levinson’s initial proposal for the new season, which featured Zendaya as a private detective. An alternative suggestion from Zendaya about her character being a surrogate mother did not gain traction either. However, there are signs of improving relations between the writer-director and star, and rumors of an idea that might just work. As one insider put it, “We’ll see what materializes. Anything could happen.”
***
In May 2023, the cast of “The Idol,” including Levinson, journeyed to France for the show’s debut at the Cannes Film Festival. By that time, Levinson and Turen had already parted ways, and Turen was not present despite his role in initiating the project and serving as an executive producer on the series.
“According to a colleague, Sam was elated at that moment, having achieved all his goals. His self-confidence knew no bounds. Following the show’s premiere and an afterparty that lasted until 5 a.m., Levinson appeared on a panel with his cast at a press conference the next day.”
As a gamer, I’d put it this way:
The Idol failed to capture the hearts of audiences during the summer season. Despite its high-profile production and significant investment, it was met with harsh criticism from both critics and the general public. Consequently, it has earned a poor rating of only 19% on Rotten Tomatoes.
According to Levinson’s point of view, that setback was just one of many challenges in a year filled with hardships and sorrow. There was no shortage of negative publicity throughout the year. Then there was the falling out with Turen. On top of that, “The Idol” didn’t succeed as planned. And to make matters worse, Angus Cloud, who portrayed Fezco on “Euphoria,” passed away last July.
I have seen too many lives wasted by the destructive power of drugs. As a long-time producer in the entertainment industry, I’ve encountered my fair share of talented individuals who struggled with substance abuse. One such case was a 25-year-old actor I worked with, whom I’ll call Cloud.
Approximately four months passed before the unexpected demise of Turen occurred. Notably, Turen maintained a strong bond with Jay Penske, the CEO of The Hollywood Reporter’s parent company, PMC; however, Penske chose not to contribute to this narrative. The separation between Sam and Kevin left numerous individuals in disbelief due to the once inseparable nature of their friendship, as Turen remained devoted to Levinson even during leisure time.
Nick Bilton, journalist and screenwriter who worked alongside Sam Levinson on seasons 2 of “Euphoria” and wrote for “The Idol,” recounts the dynamic during production. According to him, Turen was in charge of developing storylines, motivating the team to persist in their efforts.
“Kevin often shared a humorous comment in an amusing accent, exclaiming, ‘You’re being inventive! So creative!’ I’ve never witnessed anyone compose as swiftly as Sam. His productivity leaves me astonished. He doesn’t merely write; he embodies the characters. Sam adopts their voices and sometimes even wears their clothing. Levinson once wore a dress while working on ‘Euphoria,’ and on ‘Idol,’ he donned one of Abel’s character’s shirts and put on sunglasses. It seems as if he practices method direction.”
According to various reports, Turen’s involvement notwithstanding, Levinson’s behavior as a recovering addict remained compulsive and challenging to manage. He continuously generated concepts, drafted scripts, and desired extended filming durations, often disregarding budget and time constraints. This pattern led to numerous personnel shifts, beginning with the initial season of “Euphoria.” Given Levinson’s unique working style at the time, a studio insider explained, “The original plan was to involve multiple directors and writers. However, he manages things his way.” The strategy shifted accordingly.
In an interview with Hungarian publication Punkt in September 2023, Petra Collins, a Canadian artist and photographer, shared her experience of working on a TV show, “Euphoria,” which was allegedly inspired by her work. She claimed that Levinson contacted her to invite her to direct the show after writing it. Collins disclosed that she invested five months in Los Angeles, focusing on the show’s visuals and casting. However, she was let go due to her young age. Upon seeing a billboard for “Euphoria,” she broke down in tears.
She expressed her surprise to the publication, “This was the style I’ve devoted my entire life to, and now it’s becoming popular and I feel like it’s being taken from me.” Levinson remained silent, but a source close to him shared with The Daily Beast, “As a fan of hers, he had hoped for the chance to collaborate. However, there was never any guarantee.”
Following Augustine Frizzell, who joined as the pilot’s director, we find an intriguing account. A source reveals that Sam was constantly present during filming and interfered frequently, causing the DGA (Directors Guild of America) to visit at least twice. Another insider shares that while Sam could be relaxed at times, he would also become agitated, pacing, vaping, and worrying about not being in charge. Eventually, Frizzell left the production, making way for Levinson to step in as the director. According to a studio source, by season two it became clear that no other directors’ work would be tolerated, with only a few exceptions during the first season. Frizzell declined to provide comment on the matter. (Paraphrased version)
Due to Levinson’s involvement in both writing and directing almost every episode, the production of “Euphoria” encountered delays, resulting in additional expenses totaling a few million dollars beyond the initial $6 million budget per episode. A representative from HBO mentioned that these costs were still reasonable compared to other shows on their platform. However, an insider revealed that each day presented challenges. Despite these obstacles, “Euphoria” became a success and attracted massive viewership to HBO Max, with over 16 million viewers per episode during season two. This made it the second most-watched show for HBO at that time, trailing only behind “Game of Thrones.”
Behind-the-scenes tales of “Euphoria” production surfaced, featuring detailed examinations of each plot twist and signs of discord. In February 2022, Vulture published an article titled, “A Chronicle of ‘Euphoria’ Fever and Sam Levinson Controversy.” The Daily Beast shared allegations of a tumultuous set, with workdays occasionally lasting up to 15 or 17 hours (common in Hollywood). Actresses reportedly raised concerns about filming nude scenes; insiders claim these matters were addressed when they voiced their objections.
“On Levinson’s production, there may have been valid complaints, as there often are on film sets. However, I find Sam’s situation oddly intensely scrutinized. Unlike others, he isn’t advocating for any political stance, but rather creating material that provokes controversy.”
Critics online began voicing concerns over Levinson’s one-man writing team, which they believed was inherently lacking in diversity, despite the show boasting a diverse cast. A female director, tasked with bringing a feminine perspective to the production, was ultimately let go. The article from Vulture concluded ominously, leaving some viewers wondering if Levinson’s controversial reputation would hinder his ability to complete the upcoming season finale.
In a costlier repeat of the same scenario, The Idol found Levinson’s involvement expanded unexpectedly. Initially, he had written a pilot on his own accord, yet HBO hadn’t anticipated this as he was engrossed in Euphoria season 2. Surprisingly, the series received the greenlight, disregarding the reservations of certain HBO executives. Amy Seimetz, co-creator of Starz’s The Girlfriend Experience, was appointed to direct all episodes, and Joe Epstein oversaw a writers room. However, production was already in full swing when rumors emerged that The Weeknd had grown dissatisfied with the progress and requested Levinson’s intervention. At this juncture, Seimetz had completed shooting five and a half out of six episodes. HBO reportedly discarded all the footage Seimetz had produced, valued at approximately $60 million, and dismissed the original team. With no scripts available, HBO granted The Weeknd and Levinson the freedom to devise an alternate narrative. (The Weeknd declined to comment on this matter for our story, while Seimetz chose not to respond.)
As a gamer, I can’t believe how much freedom they were giving Levinson with “Euphoria,” even though it’s successful. It’s not on the same level as a juggernaut like “Game of Thrones.” When our team for “Idol” was let go unexpectedly, it really left an unpleasant taste in my mouth.
***
After being excluded from Turen’s funeral, the Levinsons chose to honor his memory by hosting a memorial service at their home instead. A rabbi was invited to preside over the intimate gathering, which was attended by a select few individuals: Levinson’s agent Finkelstein from WME, his manager Manashil, and publicist Nierob. The strong bond between Turen and both Finkelstein and Manashil extended beyond business matters, making their friendship a source of deep personal sadness as well as professional loss. With Turen’s unexpected passing, there was no opportunity to mend their relationship. The emotional toll of this cannot be quantified.
Several individuals who had interacted with Turen and Levinson are still puzzled over what led to the dissolution of their collaboration. One individual thought Turen had decided to leave due to Levinson’s relentless demands. However, during a lunch meeting last summer, Turen disclosed that it was actually Levinson who ended things. “I was taken aback,” this person recounted. “Turen explained, ‘He didn’t like the fact that I was working with another filmmaker.’ He didn’t provide further details.” The individual added, “Kevin was reluctant to speak ill of anyone. He was devastated… He had been incredibly devoted to Sam.”
Based on various reports, the rift arose due to Turen’s involvement in a film project with The Weeknd, featuring Jenna Ortega from “Wednesday.” Funded by Live Nation, this $20 million-plus production has been in postproduction for over a year. It seems potential buyers have yet to show interest. Some insiders claim Turen kept Levinson uninformed about the venture, which led to hurt feelings when the news emerged. Notably, this film was in contention with “The Idol,” another music-centered production starring the same artist.
A source close to the situation reveals that it was not unusual for Turen, a Hollywood producer, to act impulsively without consulting his partner. However, on this occasion, his actions were met with consequences. According to the source, Turen acknowledged his mistake and understood that this time, such behavior was unacceptable.
From my perspective as a fan, Turen claimed he shared the project details with Ashley Levinson, yet she seemed uninterested and didn’t bring it up to her husband based on his account. However, multiple sources assert that Ashley was unfamiliar with the movie. The story gets even more complex, as some who collaborated with the pair insist the film wasn’t a secret. Even if it had been, a talent representative commented, “Who cares? Kevin isn’t owned by Sam. I believe Sam blamed Ashley for the failure of ‘The Idol’.”
Several people who witnessed the unfolding events hold the view that the given penalty did not correspond to the reported misdeed. They are convinced that if something hadn’t occurred to Turen, Sam and Kevin would have mended their relationship in due time. “They had feelings for each other,” remarks a member of Levinson’s camp, expressing confidence that the pair would have eventually made amends. “It’s unfortunate because they brought out the best in one another in some way. Kevin influenced Sam positively, but it wasn’t all Kevin’s doing. They were an exceptional team, and that’s what makes this so sad.”
In the July 22 edition of The Hollywood Reporter, this story initially surfaced. Subsequently, on the same date, fresh information regarding The Idol’s production schedule was added to this piece. [Click here to subscribe for more updates].
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2024-07-23 16:27